The Aircrew Systems program office (PMA-202) welcomed a new program manager during a ceremony held January 25 in Patuxent River.

Vice Adm. Michael T. Moran, principal military deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (research, development, and acquisition), presided over the change of command where Capt. Tom Heck assumed command of PMA-202 from Capt. David Padula.

Moran said he credits Padula’s leadership style and ability for making “everything happen” and said his team “was empowered to think outside the box and take on challenges that are very important to naval aviation.”

As the Aircrew Systems program manager, Padula led a workforce of more than 160 team members. Under his leadership, the program office saw a number of great successes, such as the MH-60 Gunner Seat second prototype debut, the delivery of the F-35 hearing protection solution, and the exceptional navigation of the challenges associated with physiological monitoring systems solutions.

“These achievements are not just my own,” said Padula. “They’re the work of my people, those who work hard at delivering increased capability to the warfighter every day.” It’s not just about the milestones accomplished; it’s about the people. “It’s been a great honor to be part of a team that has been on the forefront of delivering cutting-edge aircrew systems to the warfighter,” said Padula.  I know this office is in good hands and will continue to execute.

Padula will retire from the Navy after 29 years of service.

Heck joined the NAVAIR workforce in 2014 where he was first assigned to F/A-18 and E/A-18 program office (PMA-265) as the Weapon Systems Integration Team Lead, followed by Air Warfare Mission Area/From the Air program office (PMA-298) Military Deputy Program Manager for Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air (NIFC-CA).  His most recent assignment was Executive Assistant to VADM Dave Johnson, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition Principal Military Deputy.

Heck is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy; a graduate of class 126 of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School; received a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee Space Institute; and received a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.

“Our fundamental objective at PMA-202 is simple…we provide our nation and warfighters with vital aircrew systems they need to fight and win and do so at a fair price, as we are stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Heck.  “I am excited to be joining the team in working hard to achieve this mission.”